Isabelle DeMerchant is always a great patient advocate but never surprises me when she goes over and above not only for her patients but for every patient. This is a most recent example: all the nurses are busy, including this nurse, but she can see I need something for a patient having an end of life conversation and getting very anxious. I ask her, "Do you know where her nurse is?" She responds, "What do you need?" and she gets the medication immediately that I order for the patient. She is a real jewel, and knowing she has our patients' interests at the forefront makes my day better. Thank you!
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During my husband's six-week stay at Pen Bay, I had the privilege of observing and interacting with many skilled and caring nurses. I had ample opportunity over my husband's six-week hospitalization to get to know one particular nurse.
In one instance, a medical situation was unfolding that led me to believe that my husband's well-being could be jeopardized. As a result of my earlier interactions with Isabelle, I had confidence that I could trust her. She listened respectfully and heard my fears. I do not know exactly how she intervened but do know that necessary changes were made which contributed to my husband's eventual recovery.
There are no words I can write that adequately capture our regard for the role she played in our lives. I do not know how her career path will unfold. What I do know is that patients and families benefit from professional nurses like her, who are at the bedside skillfully providing quality holistic nursing care.